New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-09-05
A CIVIL SERViCE DISAGREEMEAT
MAY A SUPERIOR DISMISS A SUBORDINATE WITH
rI,III uNu

MAY SUPERIOR DISMISS A SUBORDINATE WITH
OUT TELLING wHYf
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4.-1he Civil Service Commission
has submitted the President the rsrort OF It's inves'i
cation in April last OF the complaint made by George A..
Webster against Anthony r. sftberger oector OF the
Chicago. and sent 10 the President by the civil
Service League OF Chicago. and by him referred
the Commission charging violations OF the tvil Ser
vice law The report consists OF the "Opinion OF the
Commission which is signed by Commissioners Oberly
and Lyman; a report to the Commission by Connis-
sioner Edgarton. and another by Con ssoper ~ man,
who confines himself principally to the testimony sub
mitted at tho investigation.
The opinion OF the commission says that the complaint
OF Mr. Webster i In substance that he was compelled
to resign place in the Appraisers office OF the Chicago
customs district; that this compusion was exercised
upon him, because he inefficient npdutifui in
subordinate or dishonest for other good cause,
but because he Republican and the olecor de-
sired to put Democrat into the place occupied by him.
In his letter of complaint Mr. Webster SAYS
that after receiving notice that his resignation
was demanded lie called upon the Collector and
was informed that complaint had been urged against
his official conduct and ability, which were excellent
but that owing n pressure there necessity
that vacancies should he made. and the Collector at this
interview said: "YoT must remember that our party
has been out OF power for twenty-five years and you
sho aid be thankful for having been allowed TO stay two
years under q Democratic Administration"
In his Testimony before the Commission Mr. Seeberger
denied having said to Mr. Webster that could be
construed into declaration that the request for bs res
iguation prompted by political reasons "The rea
sons for his removal" said Mr. secberger were In my
own mind and keeping" and these he refused to state
Mr. Webster, says the opinion. 10 an honorably dis
charged wounded sodier he passed the Civil scrvicc
customs examination with average OF 905 per cent
and his conduct and capacity having been satisfactory
during his probation term he was absolutely ap
pointed He was afterward promoted for faithful and
lie Eeeberger
does deny That Webster was an Offensive partisan
Is not shown by the testimony. Strong political views
Mr. Webster mad n right TO entertain, aud during the
time he held public place 1t was his right to give, at
proper Ss spoon e Suggested that While appointing officers
have the right 10 retain within their own minds ANA
they NAV abuse their power with shameful impunty,
and In abuses OF this kind remain uhehalenged ~
dent attempt 10 Justify Collector Sesberxer In his refusal
TO permit the he had for demanding Mr. WEB,
Keeping" and the position taken by The Commssioner
sai rsaa s rss" TssnrHs rsSs''' S: Sa 'ns
the power OF rsnova. is pronounced nntepabi,e, ,a
every way competent in the discharge of his public
duties, but. upon the removal OF sucn man witnou,
removal-the officer making the removal should DO
Commissioner Edgsron. in bis report to the Commits
sion states he opposed To the Investigation be-
cause Mr. seebergrr In his reply to Mr. Websters
paint denied the charges made against him he uls
tincy denied that the Ter the resignation wa:
prompted for political reasonA Win this answer sss
Commissioner Edgeron, the Investigation should have
stopped for nothing left for the Commsso 10
do Wabster not removed he resigned When Mr.
Webster resigned he abandoned all legal claim to his
position. -, . a., 80.
Mr. Edeert0n reasserts his position taken In the case
of Postusser Harr.ty, Philadelphia that reasons
SHOULD not be enacted OF superor for the dismissal ol
subordnates. He says Under the Ciy Service law
clerkship n in one sense a condition of perpetual
prob alton Is mesns trial. and that failure on
Trial ... 81 Ss
hope to 70 higher In the public service whoever from
spy cause begins TO rot and hence men
work TO grew better whom 70 fail to invite di:mssa
and make them nscessary commissioner Eagerson. @
in conclusion says that IN his opinion Collector SEQ
berger has not guilty Of violations Of any OF tue
rules or Of snY OF the provisions Of the Civil Service ae